He said: "You have to give huge credit to any man that steps onto that field for the commitment you put in for the last nine months. It is disappointing for someone to have that taken away, you are training nine hard months for the big day and it's been taken away.

"It is disappointing, so personally you would feel very sorry for Richie, you wouldn't want to see anyone's day taken away."

"I don't know what the rule is, a high tackle, personally I felt sorry for him I know I'd respect every man that steps onto that pitch for all the effort they put in, you wouldn't want for their day to end up like that."

The Tipperary panel will receive a hero's welcome this evening when they parade the Liam McCarthy Cup in front of their fans at Semple Stadium.

James Barry, left, and Seán O’Brien of Tipperary, second from left, with Ed Mortimer, aged 2, Claire Joyce, Emily Mortimer, aged 5, from Lucan, Co. Dublin, and the Liam MacCarthy Cup on a visit to Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin in Dublin today. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Semple Stadium will be open to fans at 4pm, with music and entertainment from 5:15pm while the side is due to arrive back in Thurles at around 7pm.

After the players and management speak to supporters onstage they will then return to the Dome.

Tipperary Superfan Cian Conway with mum, dad and his hurling heroes; Seamus, Niall, John and Manager Liam during the victorious Tipperary hurlers' visit to Temple Street.